A girl, her uncle and her cousin connect on a deeper level and heal within an almost magical garden in Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic story "The Secret Garden."

Arizona Broadway Theatre's Friday, April 11, to Sunday, May 11, production of Marsha Norman's Tony-Award-winning musical, adapted from the 1911 book, also explores the regeneration and transformation of the different characters within the garden.

Set designer Jennings Trieloff said in the production, the garden, in reflection of the development of the family members, changes "what has been a darker, heavier and fragmented world to one of color, light and completeness."

Director Andy Meyers said audience members of different ages can relate to the story and the main character, Mary Lennox, a sickly girl who moves from India to England to live with her uncle after the death of her parents.

Meyers said throughout the musical, the adult and children characters become physically and emotionally stronger as a result of their encounters with each other and ghosts, especially in the garden.

"It is about how we can look to our loved ones to deal with loss, and the boundaries of when to hold on to something and when to let go," Meyers said. "The emotions these actors are portraying are quite mesmerizing."

Meyers, who has also directed "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Winter Wonderettes" for the company, said the musical adaptation follows a similar plot as the beloved novel but goes further into the storylines of adult characters such as Mary's uncle Archibald Craven and his late wife, Lily.

Meyers said the show's captivating score, which combines operatic pieces, heartfelt ballads and pop numbers, further accentuates the character's emotions.

"It is a wall of sound. It is never a simple melody, but it is constant, gorgeous sound," Meyers said.

Meyers said the score allows classically-trained opera singers to lend their voices to the production as ghosts.

Lighting effects and costumes representative of time periods highlight the difference between flashbacks, real life, memories and fantasy.

Three sets of professional child actresses — Madeline Alfano, Lizzie Tuten and Morgan Goldberg — play Mary, a demanding role with 14 solos.

The production also showcases three young actors — Christian Bader, Asher Angel and Tommy Cimato — as Colin Craven.

Newcomers to the theater company, including Matthew Charles Thompson as Archibald Craven, will take on roles in the musical.

From different characters audiences learn about Lily, a ghost who remains a major presence in the family home and garden.

Kaitlynn Kleinman, the actress portraying Lily, said that her character plays a major role in bringing her loved ones closer.

"She is helping to save the family and heal their wounds through the garden," Kleinman said.

Kleinman said in her portrayal, she emphasizes her character's empathy for others' suffering and joy.

Since she has few lines, Kleinman relies on the music and non-oral forms of communication to depict Lily's graceful nature.

"I've worked very hard to create a very floating, ethereal sound for Lily," said Kleinman, a soprano singer who has acted professionally for 10 years. "I'm trying to use very beautiful, flowing movements to give a floating, ethereal quality to her."

'The Secret Garden': April 11-May 11. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 and May 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20 and May 4. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. Tickets are subject to demand pricing. $50 and up for show only; $75 and up for show and dinner. 623-776-8400, azbroadway.org.